Ricki Lake Already Losing Weight, Inches With ‘Dancing’

Ricki Lake is already seeing the effects of the unofficial “Dancing with the Stars” diet and fitness plan.

“I’m dropping weight like crazy. My pants are falling off,” Ricki told Access Hollywood on Monday as she rehearsed for the competition.

“I lost five inches,” Ricki said. “I’m not weighing myself, but I’m committing to this completely. I’m watching what I eat… It’s so funny that I’m about to be 43 years old, this kid, [Derek Hough], is 26 and yet, I’m listening to everything he tells me to do.”

Like many stars with weight struggles who have appeared on the hit ABC series – like Season 12 competitor Kirstie Alley – Ricki said doing “Dancing” has already been a great program for getting in shape.

“It’s a jump start, it really is,” she said. “And for me — someone who has battled my weight, on camera, my whole adult life — this really is an amazing opportunity.

“My body is going to get in the best shape it can possibly get in at this age, so I’m gonna give it my all,” she added.

The former talk show host recently suffered a bruise, accidentally kicking herself while practicing, and Derek too is feeling the pain of his own injuries.

“There’s lots of self-inflicted pain,” Derek said. “The reason why I kept injuring myself is I have a bulging disc and I didn’t realize that until I went and got it checked out.”

“He’s a trooper,” Ricki said of Derek’s determination. “He really is. He’s teaching me a lot about stamina, perseverance – [a] life lesson actually.”

And Derek too had high praise for Ricki, telling Billy Bush and Kit Hoover on Tuesday’s Access Hollywood Live that she is “a ball of joy,” with “so much energy,” and “charisma.”

He also complimented her financial “Dancing” decision.

“Everything that she’s earning on the show is going to a charity,” he said.